Opera Scotland

Trovatore 1997Tayside Opera

For its second production of Trovatore, Tayside chose the larger capacity of the Whitehall over the more intimate Gardyne Theatre - a wise choice, allowing them to make do with four performances. The broadly traditional staging benefitted from the claustrophobic sets designed by Roy Bell. The impetus for the drama came from Brian Craib's orchestra, especially the woodwind section, with some beautifully atmospheric highlights.

The cast was led by Norwegian tenor Harald Bjorkoy, returning after his success as Canio the year before. Manrico suited him well vocally and dramatically, and he did not seem to have a problem singing four nights running. The other singers were largely familiar and entirely suited to their roles, with Helen Brown and Fiona Brownsmith making especially notable contributions.